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Lemon Lush Recipe

4.37 from 11 votes
49 comments
August 8, 2024
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Looking for a zesty, refreshing dessert that’s perfect for summer gatherings? Look no further than this Lemon Lush recipe. With layers of buttery Golden Oreo crust, creamy lemon-infused cream cheese, a tangy homemade lemon pudding layer, and fluffy whipped cream, this lemon lasagna is a true delight for your taste buds. It’s easy to make, requires no baking, and will be a hit at any potluck or family dinner.

A slice of layered dessert with a crumbly base, yellow custard filling, whipped cream topping, and two strawberry slices on a beige plate.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with this Lemon Lush Recipe

It’s the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors that make each bite heavenly. The layers create a beautiful presentation that’s sure to impress your guests. Plus, it’s a no-bake dessert, which means you won’t have to heat up your kitchen on a hot day. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newbie, this lemon delight is foolproof and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. YUM!

A flat lay of baking ingredients including flour, sugar, butter, vanilla extract, lemon zest, powdered sugar, cookies, milk, strawberries, and cream cheese, arranged on a gray surface.

Ingredients Needed for Lemon Lush (Lemon Lasagna)

It goes without saying, but this is one of my favorite desserts! Give me all the lemon desserts! Yes, the list is rather long, but most ingredients you likely have in your pantry. What you don’t have on hand can easily be found at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Golden Oreo cookies: These form the delicious, buttery crust.
  • Butter, melted: Helps bind the cookie crust together.
  • Cream cheese, softened: For the rich, tangy cream cheese mixture. (Room temperature cream cheese is the easiest to work with.)
  • Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the cream cheese layer.
  • Fresh lemon juice: Provides that fresh, tangy lemon flavor.
  • Zest of 1 lemon: Enhances the lemony goodness.
  • Lemon extract: Intensifies the lemon flavor.
  • Heavy cream: Used in both the cream cheese layer and the whipped topping.
  • Powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream topping.
  • Vanilla extract: Adds depth of flavor.
  • Lemon instant pudding mix: Creates the luscious lemon pudding layer.
  • Milk, cold: Used to prepare the instant pudding. (whole milk is best, but 1% or 2% will work too)
  • Strawberries, fresh (optional): For a fresh, colorful garnish.

Variations

  • Crust: Substitute Golden Oreos with graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or even a pecan crust for a different base.
  • Pudding: Swap lemon pudding with your flavor of choice.
  • Topping: Use Cool Whip instead of homemade whipped cream for convenience.
  • Fruit: Top with blueberries or raspberries instead of strawberries for a different fruit garnish.
A slice of layered dessert with a crumbly base, yellow filling, white whipped topping, and a sliced strawberry on top, held on a fork against a neutral background.

How to Make Lemon Lush

For full recipe details, including ingredient measurements, see the printable recipe card down below. Here are my step by step instructions for making this no-bake Lemon Lush dessert:

1. Prepare the Crust (Layer 1)

Crush the golden oreo cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or a rolling pin. Place into a bowl and stir in melted butter until well combined. Press into the bottom of a 9×13 glass baking dish. Refrigerate.

A food processor filled with vanilla sandwich cookies, surrounded by small bowls containing melted butter and strawberries on a gray countertop, ready to be transformed into a delightful lemon lasagna.
Top-down view of a mixing bowl containing a crumb mixture and melted butter, perfect for creating a base layer for lemon lasagna. Surrounding the bowl are small dishes with various ingredients, including lemon zest, strawberries, and an unknown liquid.
A baking dish with a crumbly mixture and a measuring cup sits surrounded by small bowls of ingredients: lemon zest, melted butter, vanilla extract, strawberries, and white cream. This is the beginning of a delectable lemon lush dessert, where each layer promises tangy and sweet perfection.

2. Make the Cream Cheese Layer (Layer 2)

In a large bowl, using a hand mixer, whip cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, 1 teaspoon of the lemon extract, and 1/2 cup of the heavy cream until thick and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. 

A clear glass bowl containing cream cheese, sugar, lemon zest, and cream evokes thoughts of a delightful lemon lasagna. Strawberries, vanilla extract, golden sandwich cookies, and a small bowl of melted butter are nearby on a gray surface.
A glass bowl filled with yellow custard, reminiscent of a delicious lemon lush, has a whisk inside. Surrounding the bowl are small dishes with orange liquid, cookies, strawberries, and vanilla extract.

Spread evenly over the bottom layer of cookies. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. 

A rectangular baking dish with a crumbly base topped with a large dollop of cream mixture, resembling a delightful lemon lush. Nearby are small bowls with cookies, melted butter, and strawberries. A wooden spoon is in the dish.
A rectangular baking dish filled with a creamy lemon lush mixture is placed on a surface. Surrounding it are small bowls with oil, cookies, strawberries, and a liquid, possibly vanilla extract.

3. Prepare the Pudding Layer (Layer 3)

Mix together cold milk and instant lemon pudding mix for 2 minutes until completely combined. Pour over second layer before it sets completely and spread evenly. Cover and return to refrigerator.

A baking dish with a layer of cream and a yellow mixture, reminiscent of lemon lasagna. Surrounding it are strawberries, two small bowls with liquids, and another bowl with cookies.
A baking dish filled with yellow batter sits next to small bowls containing vanilla wafers, liquid ingredients, and strawberries, hinting at a delightful lemon lush recipe in progress.

4. Whip the Heavy Whipping Cream (Layer 4)

Whip remaining 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream with remaining teaspoon of lemon extract, vanilla extract and powdered sugar until stiff peaks have formed. 

A glass bowl filled with a mixture of cream and powdered ingredients sits on a table, surrounded by strawberries, cookies, and melted butter in separate bowls—perfect for creating a delightful lemon lush dessert.
A clear glass bowl filled with whipped cream sits on a gray surface. Nearby are a strawberry, cookies, and a small bowl of yellow liquid reminiscent of lemon lush. A wooden spoon is in the whipped cream.

Spread over the top and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

A baking dish filled with a layer of bright yellow pudding, reminiscent of lemon lush, topped with a dollop of whipped cream. Surrounding the dish are a bowl of cream, a small dish of cookies, and a cup of honey.
A baking dish filled with a layer of whipped cream sits on the countertop, evoking memories of a delicious lemon lush. Nearby, there is a bowl of golden cookies and a small dish of yellow liquid.

Storing + Make Ahead Directions for Lemon Lush

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 4 days.

To Freeze: Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

To Make Ahead: Make this up to a day before you want to serve. Just be sure to store it in the fridge and cover it.

A dessert dish with a layer of white cream, topped with five sliced strawberries, is surrounded by lemons and various preparation tools on a grey countertop.

More Lemon Dessert Recipes to Try!

A rectangular slice of creamy dessert topped with two strawberry halves on a small, round plate beside a baking dish with more servings. A lemon half and a container of strawberries are nearby.

This Lemon Lush recipe is the perfect dessert for anyone with a sweet tooth who loves the refreshing taste of lemon (Hi, it’s me!). It’s easy to make, looks impressive, and is guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy your slice of sunny citrus bliss! The printable recipe is below for this super simple and tasty treat! Have a wonderful week! 🙂

If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would give it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.

A slice of layered dessert with a crumbly base, yellow custard filling, whipped cream topping, and two strawberry slices on a beige plate.
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4.37 from 11 votes

Lemon Lush Recipe

Lemon Lush, also known as lemon lasagna, is full of lemony and creamy layers on top of a sweet cookie crust. Top with fresh strawberries!
servings 15 servings
Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

layer 1-

  • Crush the golden oreo cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or a rolling pin.
    A food processor filled with vanilla sandwich cookies, surrounded by small bowls containing melted butter and strawberries on a gray countertop, ready to be transformed into a delightful lemon lasagna.
  • Place into a bowl and stir in melted butter until well combined.
    Top-down view of a mixing bowl containing a crumb mixture and melted butter, perfect for creating a base layer for lemon lasagna. Surrounding the bowl are small dishes with various ingredients, including lemon zest, strawberries, and an unknown liquid.
  • Press into the bottom of a 9×13 glass baking dish. Refrigerate.
    A baking dish with a crumbly mixture and a measuring cup sits surrounded by small bowls of ingredients: lemon zest, melted butter, vanilla extract, strawberries, and white cream. This is the beginning of a delectable lemon lush dessert, where each layer promises tangy and sweet perfection.

layer 2-

  • In a large bowl, using a hand mixer, whip cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, 1 teaspoon of the lemon extract and 1/2 cup of the heavy cream until thick and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
    A clear glass bowl containing cream cheese, sugar, lemon zest, and cream evokes thoughts of a delightful lemon lasagna. Strawberries, vanilla extract, golden sandwich cookies, and a small bowl of melted butter are nearby on a gray surface.
  • Spread evenly over the bottom layer of cookies. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
    A rectangular baking dish with a crumbly base topped with a large dollop of cream mixture, resembling a delightful lemon lush. Nearby are small bowls with cookies, melted butter, and strawberries. A wooden spoon is in the dish.

layer 3-

  • Mix together cold milk and instant lemon pudding mix for 2 minutes until completely combined.
    A glass bowl filled with yellow custard, reminiscent of a delicious lemon lush, has a whisk inside. Surrounding the bowl are small dishes with orange liquid, cookies, strawberries, and vanilla extract.
  • Pour over second layer before it sets completely and spread evenly. Cover and return to refrigerator.
    A baking dish with a layer of cream and a yellow mixture, reminiscent of lemon lasagna. Surrounding it are strawberries, two small bowls with liquids, and another bowl with cookies.

layer 4-

  • Whip remaining 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream with remaining teaspoon of lemon extract, vanilla extract and powdered sugar until stiff peaks have formed.
    A clear glass bowl filled with whipped cream sits on a gray surface. Nearby are a strawberry, cookies, and a small bowl of yellow liquid reminiscent of lemon lush. A wooden spoon is in the whipped cream.
  • Spread over the top and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
    A baking dish filled with a layer of whipped cream sits on the countertop, evoking memories of a delicious lemon lush. Nearby, there is a bowl of golden cookies and a small dish of yellow liquid.

Slice into squares and top with fresh strawberries, if desired.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 440kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 69mg | Sodium: 288mg | Potassium: 154mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 889IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 106mg | Iron: 1mg
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: Lemon Lasagna, lemon lush
    4.37 from 11 votes (9 ratings without comment)

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    49 Responses
    1. Susan
      Reply

      My husband loves lemon stuff so I need to try this. Would it work OK with almond milk? That’s what I happen to have in the fridge at the moment.

    2. Janine
      Reply

      Hey listen, we don’t need a list of 10 things you need to whine about while in hawaii. Just give us the recipe. Also enjoy having your children there I can’t have any.

    4. Lemon Pistachio Swiss Roll Cake | Lauren's Latest
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      […] my kitchen. Baking with lemon is one of my favorite things to do, as evidenced with this recipe or this recipe or this recipe. I like lemon more than chocolate. Pretty sure I’m in the minority on that […]

    6. Layered Pumpkin Dessert | Lauren's Latest
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    14. LEMON DESSERT LASAGNAFollow for recipesGet your FoodFfs stuff… by foodffs via Tumblr – Viralpics
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        1. Kimberly Ann horton
          Reply

          Lauren, I can only find 1 oz boxes of instant lemon pudding & pie filling “sugar free” do I get six boxes?

          1. Lauren
            Reply

            No!! Sugar free pudding weighs a whole lot less than normal instant pudding made with sugar. My recipe calls for two boxes of instant lemon pudding, so you would substitute 2 sugar free boxes of lemon pudding even though the weights are different.

    28. Chrissy
      Reply

      I LOVE anything lemon – especially in the summer. Can’t wait to give this a try! Jealous of your Hawaii trip!

    29. Lois
      Reply

      Would love to see this with a marshmallow Meringe on top instead of the whip cream. Love the bottom crust and lemon idea!

    30. Judy
      Reply

      I am so frustrated with Pintrest. If I ask it to save your recipe, it wants me to log in or sign up. ( I am a long time Pintrest user). After I do it takes me to their main page and I can never find your recipe again, even if I do a search….I know it’s not you or your site as it happens on others, I just wanted you to be aware of it. I have an iPad and this was in my email.
      I lived in Hawaii, as my husband was stationed there. Next time I’ll babysit while you go… Love kids and babies.

    31. Patricia Mullen
      Reply

      Is there any particular waiting time between layering ingredients or is just the time it takes to make each layer okay?

      1. Lauren
        Reply

        Nope! You just need to be a bit careful in spreading the cream cheese layer onto the crust. It can get a little crumby. But other than that, its all good 🙂 It’ll cut really nicely once it’s all good and cold after 4+ hours!

    32. Catherine Smith
      Reply

      I heard once that if you get a big tomato, and slice it in half and rub the tomato on the burn, the acid in the tomato is able to pull out the burn and soothe it a bit. But I’m sure Aloe works a lot better!! Love watching your vacation on SnapChat!

    35. Deb
      Reply

      My husband and I discovered something a few years ago. Parents alone = vacation, Parents + kids = family trip. We’ve explained the difference to many friends and they agree wholeheartedly!

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